tantrums during diaper change?!

Louise - posted on 04/14/2010

My daughter starts to cry before we get to the nappy changing mat. She cries and struggles to get off the mat too. I thought maybe she is sore from the nappies but she has no signs of nappy rash. I have now taken the firm approach by telling her to stop it in a firm voice and she tends to lye still but still moans. I think I will start potty training soon even though she is 17 months as she is already telling me before she poos that she is going to go. I don't hold out much hope for success at this age but it might be an end to a distressed daughter every 4 hours for a nappy change.

Michelle - posted on 04/21/2010

Hi Jacqui,

Have you tried buying some cheap stickers from a discount store and placing it back of your childs hand just when doing a nappy change, perhaps use it as a special reward or distraction.
Also it sounds so simple but worked for me and that is filling up a plastic see through container with a small amount of macaroni so that baby can shake it. They love to watch the macaroni moving around and the sound is interesting. Again keep it as a special toy just for nappy changing so that it doesn't become boring.
If your baby/toddler is old enough you can encourage him/her to help you get the items ready for the nappy change. ie: can you reach the wipes for mummy please, with you giving alittle guidance, this way toddler can feel helpful and envolved in the process.

Leslie - posted on 07/22/2010

It's always reassuring when we see other moms having the same issue, and I breathe a sigh of relief knowing I'm not alone. I give Ellenore, my 20 month old, an old cell phone or something that belongs to "mommy" and this usually tides her over for a minute or two. But recently I got some wall decals to go around the changing table and I have her point out the ladybug or polka dots. Then we talk about what color the dots are.

On a different note, does anyone have a problem with their child grabbing themselves during a change? I can't get her little hands away from down there sometimes, and it has ended sometimes, with her pulling a dirty diaper out from under her or grabbing a handful of something she's not supposed to touch. It's Horrific! Even if I keep her hands busy, I feel like I have to handcuff her almost to keep her hands away!

Jessica - posted on 04/26/2010

my daughter Akasha, whose just a week shy of 18 months, has them tantrums to and well the only thing i have found that helps the most specially during the dressing or undressing stage is to play peek a boo with her and she loves it, we also let her pick her clothes, well we pick them then ask her if she wants to wear it. As for the diaper change well that one we still have problems with but we get her involve by asking her to get the diaper or wipes and then if she freaks out during we play 'teddy bear, teddy bear' with her and it normally gets her distracted enough to finish and well we have the change done before she realizes it and shes all like 'ooo wow ooooo', you know all memorized. but you are not alone with the temper tantrums ans well what we do here may not always work just remember to stay calm, if you can make a game outta of it it may not always work but it keeps them distracted.

Rae - posted on 04/14/2010

hi , just thought i would write and say that you arent alone. I found with Dylan if I ignore his tantrums and tell him i am changing his nappy / getting him un/dressed (and do it as fast as i can) he eventually gives up yelling and trying to move off the mat. He is becoming better....slowly

Jacqui - posted on 07/23/2010

just wanted to mention that we have just recently moved to pullups and it has really helped the diaper changes. Now, if I can just convince her to get dressed we would be doing good! :)

Cheten - posted on 07/23/2010

Thank god..I thought it was my child alone who screams during nappy change. You should hear him scream..I am sure he would break any record.

Amber - posted on 07/22/2010

my son is doing the exact same thing, i give him a small baby powder bottle and tell him that he has to help mommy by holding it, then ill use it and tell him what a big help he is, he still throws a fit if i dont have the baby powder bottle but at least when i have it for him hes fine...

Lauren - posted on 07/08/2010

My lil one just refuses to get dressed sometimes i think just b/c i want her to... so i don't get angry, i just make a play face and i'll tickle her and make it fun, then she usually cooperates after. i sing to her while i change her, we sing our ABC's or diff lil ditties like that. I let her try to put her shirt on... which she is big into right now.. wanting to dress HERSELF.. so we try, then i ask if she wants help and then she usually lets me help her.

right now its all about balance, they want to do things more themselves when THEY want, so its a give and take.

hope this helps!

Mirrhya - posted on 07/06/2010

I moved my sons changing station to the floor because I just can't hold on to him anymore and I am afraid he will fall. I try to use toys or even Daddy as a distraction. If worse comes to worse I change him on the floor in front of Blues Clues. Not the best solution I know but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do.

Thelma - posted on 07/03/2010

Hi, yes, your not alone!!! As Clara said: I also give her a nappy or wipe, or lid of something while I change the nappy. I found it's important to talk with her and tell her what we are going to do on the changing mat. Most of the times it works. Othertimes have a music box next to the mat with different songs. Press a song, it distracts them. My little girls now move her upper body to the beat. But as all other said: It will pass quicker then you think!!!

Jacqui - posted on 04/28/2010

thanks for all the responses.. :) we still have plenty of issues, but we are making it through...

Clara - posted on 04/23/2010

what worked for me is i give her her own wipe or article of clothing so she feels like she's doing something to contribute and being independant...works MOST of the time other than that i just hold her down and try to talk her through it so she almost knows we're done...pretty much i do a whole lot of "its okay look, wipe wipe...clean!!!" or if its clothes i do the "one arm/leg...the other arm/leg...up up up (if its pants)/down down down (if im putting on a shirt) DONE!"

Michelle - posted on 04/21/2010

Im having the same problems, but i try and give him something that he wouldn't normally have (such as my mobile phone to hold which I have put on lock) and I try to play games, again like other mums have said, this sometimes works, sometimes doesn't. Hope that helps and goodluck

Jacqui - posted on 04/14/2010

thanks for the responses... I'm glad to know we're not alone! :) Clara... we do the chasing game too.. just doesn't work... V loves it... until we make to get changed.. LOL... Louise.. sounds like you LO is ready for potty training.. it can still take months to get them there... but I think you may be right.. I may have to try it too... good luck!

Clara - posted on 04/13/2010

My daughter does not like it either, so we play a game, where I have to catch her first, making sounds like a lion !!



Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesnt...



I think whatever we do or dont do, they are going to go through this stage, I just try to stay calm and appreciate the fact, that this too shall pass !!